FAST FACTS

The museum encompasses 118,000-square-feet of Revolutionary Period artifacts.

Tickets are $19 for adults; $17 for students, military and seniors; $12 for children ages 6 and over and free for children 5 and under.

After 20 years of planning and preparation, the museum debuts with a star-studded opening ceremony on Wednesday, April 19, the 242nd anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord that began the Revolutionary War.

Museum Overview

Encompassing 118,000-square-feet, the museum holds an expansive collection of art, manuscripts and printed works from the nation’s Revolutionary Period. Through immersive exhibitions and priceless artifacts, the museum traces the evolution of the colonies from the earliest days of unrest through a legendary war and the improbable victory that led to a new nation.

The galleries within the museum are organized chronologically to take guests on a journey from the beginning of the conflict in the 1760s through the creation of our nation, many of which center on events in the Philadelphia area.

The exhibitions tell an inclusive story about the American Revolution that is often overlooked by other institutions. The stories of enslaved and free Africans, Native Americans and women — in addition to the Founding Fathers and Revolutionary War soldiers — are told through immersive displays and fascinating artifacts to create a modern storytelling experience.

(Liberty Tree replica | Photo courtesy Bluecadet)

The 118,000-square-foot museum showcases an impressive collection of manuscripts, life-like figures, personal items from soldiers that were important to the Revolution and more…

The Collection

The museum displays a range of objects gathered from and pertaining to the Revolutionary War, including some of George Washington’s own possessions, British, French and American weapons used in battle, items that belonged to soldiers and civilians, personal diaries written in camp and more than 20 life-like figures.

Approximately 500 objects in total are on display throughout 16 core galleries.

One of the most anticipated pieces in the museum is General Washington’s Headquarters Tent, an iconic piece of history where President George Washington slept and made world-changing decisions. The tent is part of a multimedia presentation about Washington.

Other key elements include a two-story replica of the Liberty Tree which shaded colonists as they discussed a revolt against the British, a large-scale replica of an 18th-century ship that visitors can climb aboard and an immersive discussion between members of the Oneida Indian Nation.

Audiovisual Highlights

There are 31 different audiovisual experiences (!), which include theaters, major interactive screens and soundscapes.

Ten theaters throughout the museum help tell the story of the Revolution. The first theater, the orientation theater, sets the stage for the history of the Revolution with information about the Revolution’s causes, important moments and its legacy today.

Another thrilling theatrical moment comes at the Battlefield Theater, where museum guests are put on the front lines of the Continental Army during a British attack. Throughout the show, gunshots erupt, the floor shakes, strobe lights flash and smoke fills the room.

(Photo courtesy Museum of the American Revolution)

Featured items in the museum include…

General Washington’s Headquarters Tent (shown)

A two-story replica of the Liberty Tree

A replica of an 18th-century privateer ship

And more…

Opening Day Events

The highly anticipated museum opens its doors on Wednesday, April 19 with a bevy of special events to mark the monumental occasion.

The festivities start with an open-to-the-public tribute and remarks at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution in nearby Washington Square at 8:30 a.m. Starting at 9:15 a.m., governors and representatives from the 13 original states will head to the front of Independence Hall to give remarks in celebration of the opening of the museum.

At 10:30 a.m. the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication featuring former Vice President Joe Biden start at the Museum of the American Revolution. A number of talented musicians, including the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Sydney James Harcourt from Hamilton, will provide musical accompaniment throughout the ceremony.

Note that the ceremony is ticketed. Guests can enter here for a chance to win two tickets to the museum and the Grand Opening Ceremony.

(Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia)

Throughout the galleries, guests can find more than 30 different audiovisual experiences, including theaters, major interactive screens and soundscapes.

Tickets

Tickets for the Museum of the American Revolution are $19 for adults, $17 for students, active or retired military and AAA and AARP members with ID and $12 for children ages 6 and up. Children ages 5 and under are free.